Canada has the most ambitious immigration targets for any developed country in the world. One way Canada intends to achieve this target is by attracting foreign students and retaining a large number of international graduates through programs designed specifically for foreign students.

For skilled workers, there is the Post Graduation Work Permit, Express Entry, and multiple PNP options targeting international graduates.

If you want to become an entrepreneur, setup a startup, or become a business person after graduating from Canada, then you can check out PNP business immigration streams designed specifically for international graduates.

Manitoba International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

You are between 21-25 years of age and have completed a full-time post-secondary study program of duration two years or more from Manitoba and have language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher.

Further, you must have resided in Manitoba after graduation, must intend to settle in Manitoba, and must be holding a valid post-graduation work permit.

You must have a business plan for your enterprise in Manitoba. There is no minimum investment or net worth requirement but you must own at least 51 percent stake in the business.

You will have to operate the business on a work permit for at least six months to qualify for nomination.

Also Read

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• Goodbye Status Quo—Time to Prepare for the New Post-Pandemic Canada Immigration Landscape

Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur         

You must own at least one-third stake in a business in Nova Scotia and must have at least one year of continuous experience managing the same.

You must have completed a full-time course of at least two year duration from a university in Nova Scotia or from the Nova Scotia Community College. You must have a post-graduation work permit and language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher.

If you fulfill these conditions, then you can qualify for PR as an entrepreneur through provincial nomination by Nova Scotia.

Saskatchewan International Graduate Entrepreneur

You lived and graduated from a full-time course of at least two years duration from Saskatchewan. You have a valid PGWP with at least 24 months of validity remaining. You have language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher.

You must own at least one-third stake in a business in Saskatchewan and operate it for at least one year before applying.

If you are the only employee of your business, then minimum revenue must be above Saskatchewan’s Low Income Cut Off requirement. If the business has additional employees, then minimum revenue must cover the cost of paying the prevailing wages as specified in the National Job Bank.

Alberta Intl Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

You must have completed a two-year full-time study course from the province, must hold a Post-Graduation work permit with remaining validity of at least two years or more, and must have language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher.

You will have to either establish a new business or take over an existing business in Alberta and own at least 34 percent stake. No minimum investment requirement but you get the highest score in points grid if you invest $75,001 or more.

You need six months of full-time work experience of actively managing or owning a business. The following can be included when calculating work experience.

• Business incubator or business accelerator experience
• Entrepreneurship program courses

Foreign work experience, as well as experience prior to Alberta education, can be included when assessing eligibility.

Newfoundland International Graduate Entrepreneur

Like other PNP entrepreneur streams for international graduates, there is no minimum investment or net worth requirement for the Newfoundland program.

Those completing a two-year full-time course from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic are eligible. You must hold a PGWP, have language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher, and must be of 21 years age or older.

You must own at least one-third stake in a business in Newfoundland and have at least one year of experience actively managing the same. Your business must create at least one new job and you can either start a new business or take over an existing business in the province.

Conclusion

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a job is the only viable PR option available for international graduates. Canada is a great place to settle even if you wish to become an entrepreneur.

In fact, business streams for international graduates may be the smarter choice due to no net worth requirements, very liberal minimum investment requirements, and a two-step process that begins with a work permit and leads to permanent residence as a business owner.